CARE House marks National Child Abuse Prevention Month

Carol Furlong, executive director of CARE House of Oakland County, plants pinwheels with other volunteers in front of Oakland County Circuit Court to mark National Child Abuse Prevention Month. The pinwheels “remind us of childlike notions and represent the childhood every child should have. Sadly, for thousands of children, the reality is much different,” Furlong says. Tim Thompson-The Oakland Press

FYI

A “Circle of Light” event is from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 24 at CARE House, 44765 Woodward Avenue in Pontiac. The event is free and the public is invited. For more information, call 248-332-7173 or visit www.carehouse.org.

One of the most shocking statistics about child abuse could be that the vast majority of cases go unreported.

CARE House is hosting a free event, Circle of Light, on April 24 at its Pontiac headquarters that’s meant to recognize those who work to protect children and highlight people who have survived child abuse and are now living successfully.

The nonprofit works in partnership with Children’s Protective Services, prosecutors and law enforcement agencies to provide central intake, crisis counselors, therapy, community outreach and more.

Furlong gave several tips on how Oakland County residents can help prevent or stop child abuse:

◘ Furlong urges those who are likely to spot signs of child abuse — teachers, coaches, faith-based youth leaders and others — to be trained in what to look for and how to report it.

◘ Look for changes in children’s behavior, emotionally and physically, such as the infliction of pain on themselves and the development of nervous habits. Furlong recommends the advocacy group Darkness to Light’s website as a information resource.